Campaign #DjecaRata387: Celebrities Send Messages of Support to Children Born of Sexual Violence

In 2023, the “Forgotten Children of War” Association launched the #DjecaRata387 campaign,
featuring participation from numerous local celebrities. Through this initiative, they conveyed
powerful messages about speaking out against sexual violence in conflict, the legal invisibility
of children born as a result of such violence, the importance of supporting survivors, and the
need to address this issue from both a legal and societal perspective.

Children born from acts of wartime sexual violence have experienced a complete violation of
their rights and continue to face ongoing human rights violations. They are denied
fundamental rights, including protection from stigma and discrimination, recognition of their
full identity, nationality, equal opportunities in education, fair treatment in employment and
housing, and access to free legal and psychological support, among others.

The principle of non-discrimination obligates the state to actively identify children and groups
of children whose recognition and exercise of rights may require “special measures,”
particularly in post-conflict settings. This obligation is further reinforced by international
human rights laws, which require states to act as protectors rather than stigmatizers and to
shield individuals from discriminatory actions or neglect by third parties. However, Bosnia
and Herzegovina has failed to meet these obligations in the case of children born from
wartime sexual violence.

The campaign’s messages, which advocate for speaking out against sexual violence in
conflict, addressing the legal invisibility of children born of such violence, and supporting
survivors, serve as critical reminders of the need for action. Various stakeholders – including
governments, military forces, international organizations, and individuals – hold significant
responsibility in tackling sexual violence in conflict. Governments and military institutions
must prioritize this issue, taking concrete steps to prevent, respond to, and hold perpetrators
accountable. International actors, such as the UN, the European Union, and NGOs, must
provide resources and technical support to local organizations working on the ground.
Meanwhile, individuals can contribute by supporting organizations addressing these issues,
raising awareness about the importance of legal recognition for children born of sexual
violence, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize this matter.

“We recognize the complexity of the system, the efforts made, and the progress achieved. But
we also acknowledge the neglect and disregard. We have demonstrated our willingness to
share our experiences and engage in interdisciplinary cooperation, which is essential in
addressing the challenges faced by this group. If inclusion is the key to eliminating or
reducing discrimination, the first and most crucial step is legal recognition and state
responsibility from a democratic and sovereign nation. Institutional recognition through laws
and specific programs is not only necessary but also validates our pain, which is fundamental
to collective and individual healing. Ensuring comprehensive, adequate, and consistent rights
for survivors of wartime sexual violence and their children in Bosnia and Herzegovina is
imperative. We are citizens of this country. We are the truth of this nation, this region, and the
world. We are the truth of the international community. We have spoken. Now, it is time for
institutions and society to break their silence about us”, stated the Forgotten Children of War
Association.

“This video campaign was created with the financial support of the European Union. The
content is the sole responsibility of the ‘Forgotten Children of War’ Association and does not
necessarily reflect the views of the European Union”.